Celebrate World Book Night (April 23)

We may know April 23rd best for being Sant Jordi Day, but it’s also a day to celebrate the joy of reading (especially at night)!

Reading for pleasure is a globally recognised indicator in a huge range of social issues from poverty to mental health, yet in England alone, 36% of people don’t regularly read (DCMS, 2015).

What is World Book Night?

World Book Night aims to inspire all of us to read more and celebrate the ways books can make our lives richer.

World Book Night was first celebrated in the UK and Ireland in 2011 on 5 March. In 2012 it was moved to 23 April, the UNESCO International Day of the Book and, probably, the birth and death date of William Shakespeare.

In 2012 and 2013 World Book Night was celebrated in the USA as well as the UK and Ireland and almost 50,000 people gave a million books away in three different countries.

In late 2013 World Book Night became part of The Reading Agency and is now run as one of the charity’s programmes as part of its work to inspire people to share reading and celebrate the difference it makes to our lives.

2019 will be the ninth World Book Night celebration.

How to Celebrate World Book Night

Spend the night with your favourite book or throw a book-themed party, buy a book for a loved one or organise a book swapping event with your friends.

However you like to celebrate your love of reading, today is the day to do it!

Visit the World Book Night website to find new books, many of which are being given away at care homes, youth centres, schools, prisons, public libraries, mental health centres and other settings on World Book Night 2019!